Attorney General Jeff Sessions' forced resignation Wednesday has Delaware U.S. Senator Chris Coons calling for vigilance and bipartisanship from senators and a recusal from the acting attorney general in the Russia probe.

"He should recuse himself from supervision of this investigation," Coons said Wednesday night.

Sessions' former chief of staff, Matthew Whitaker, has been named the acting attorney general by President Donald Trump, after Sessions announced his resignation. Coons is among many who believe the resignation was forced, coming after Trump's repeated calls for the former Alabama senator to step down.

Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions in Washington, D.C., on March 6, 2017.(Photo: Mandel Ngan)

"He has made it clear he did not respect or support the investigation," Coons said. "My concern is that we continue to have a path to the completion of Robert Mueller's investigation without a change."

Congressional members now fear Whitaker, who has previously said it's possible for an attorney general to hinder the special counsel's investigation, will do just that.

Coons and other senators said they will keep a close eye on red flags from Whitaker to reduce the funding, change the scope or the direction of the investigation into collusion between the president and Russia.

"This would be a clear signal that he has been installed as acting attorney general —someone who is not Senate confirmed — for the purpose of changing the direction of or shutting down or inappropriately interfering with Robert Mueller's investigation."

Coons' bill that protects the special counsel from interference, from being removed or fired has not been approved to enter the Senate floor by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

The Delaware senator believes this bill could help shield the investigators in the coming months.

Other members of the Judiciary Committee, the Senate body heading the Russia investigation, have also released statements.

"Whitaker should come before the Senate Judiciary Committee as soon as possible and make a firm commitment not to interfere in the investigation, to include restricting the investigation or making changes in personnel," said California Democratic Sen. Diane Feinstein in a statement.

We are pleased to announce that Matthew G. Whitaker, Chief of Staff to Attorney General Jeff Sessions at the Department of Justice, will become our new Acting Attorney General of the United States. He will serve our Country well....

I look forward to working with Matt Whitaker as he takes the helm of the Justice Department," Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley said in a press release. "A fellow Iowan, who I’ve known for many years, Matt will work hard and make us proud."

Congress is still unsure if Deputy Attorney General, Rod Rosenstein, will head the investigation, or if Whittaker will step in, Coons said.

Lisa Blunt Rochester is greeted at the podium by US Senator Chris Coons after she was reelected to her seat in the House of Representatives at the DoubleTree Hotel in Wilmington Tuesday. WILLIAM BRETZGER, The News Journal

Former state attorney general Charles Oberly watches from the stage as Kathy Jennings celebrates her state attorney general win at the DoubleTree Hotel in Wilmington Tuesday. WILLIAM BRETZGER, The News Journal

Campaign workers get in a last word for their candidates as voters arrive at the polling station at P.S. DuPont Middle School in Wilmington just before 6 p.m. Tuesday. WILLIAM BRETZGER, The News Journal

Voters head to the pools at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support. Chuck Snyder/Special to the News Journal

Delaware Governor John Carney greets voters at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support. Chuck Snyder/Special to the News Journal

Voters head to the pools at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support. Chuck Snyder/Special to the News Journal

Gov. John Carney greets voters at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support. Chuck Snyder/Special to the News Journal

State Auditor candidate Kathy McGuiness greets voters at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support. Chuck Snyder/Special to the News Journal

Voters have a photo taken with candidates at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support. Chuck Snyder/Special to the News Journal

Delaware Governor John Carney greets voters at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support. Chuck Snyder/Special to the News Journal

Delaware Governor John Carney with 1st time voters Alex Downs and Chloe Bartholomey from Lewes at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support. Chuck Snyder/Special to the News Journal

Delaware Governor John Carney greets voters at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support. Chuck Snyder/Special to the News Journal

State Auditor candidate Kathy McGuiness greets voters at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support. Chuck Snyder/Special to the News Journal

Voters head to the pools at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support. Chuck Snyder/Special to the News Journal

Dave Baker candidate for State Senate greets voters at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support.
Special to the News Journal / CHUCK SNYDER Chuck Snyder, Credit Photo/CHUCK SNYDER

U.S. Senator Tom Carper greets voters at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support.
Special to the News Journal / CHUCK SNYDER Chuck Snyder, Credit Photo/CHUCK SNYDER

U.S. Senator Tom Carper greets voters at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support.
Special to the News Journal / CHUCK SNYDER Chuck Snyder, Credit Photo/CHUCK SNYDER

U.S. Senator Tom Carper greets voters at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support.
Special to the News Journal / CHUCK SNYDER Chuck Snyder, Credit Photo/CHUCK SNYDER

Sen. Tom Carper shows his wife Martha his drivers license that he forgot in the car and had to go back to get before he could cast his midterm votes at P.S. duPont Middle School on Tuesday. Jennifer Corbett, The News Journal

U.S Senate Candidate Rob Arlett supporters at the Roxana Fire Station on Election Day. Voter turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places in Rehoboth, Roxana and Angola. Chuck Snyder, Special to The News Journal

U.S Senate Candidate Rob Arlett supporters at the Roxana Fire Station on Election Day. Voter turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places in Rehoboth, Roxana and Angola. Chuck Snyder, Special to The News Journal